I was wondering about the Irish martingale, and what other discipline's it is used for.. What kind of events, Ex:Pleasure,Jumping,Eventing,Dressage? Can use them.
Who has used them and what is you're opinion on them?

Quote:

The Irish martingale is not a true martingale in the sense of a device that affects the rider's control over the horse. Thus, it is sometimes known as a semi-martingale. It is a simple short strap with a ring on either end. The reins are each run through a ring on either side before being buckled. The Irish martingale's purpose is not to control the head, but to prevent the reins from coming over the horse's head, risking entanglement, should a rider fall. It is used mostly in European horse racing.

barnprincess

01-20-2010 02:29 PM

i dont see how they'd keep the reins from going over to be honest i think it looks pretty useless haha.

savvylover112

01-20-2010 02:32 PM

When the horse raises his head the "martingale" slides down the reins and so their is less rein on one side of the "martingale" and so it cannot go over the head I have seen them work really well over here in Ireland in racing but I have never seen it used in any other discipline

My Beau

01-20-2010 05:55 PM

They're mainly used in racing from what I've seen. Sometimes event, although they're kind of a thing of the past now. They're aren't favored a whole lot because they don't allow for the use of an opening rein.